Who would have thought a film taking place mostly in a conservatory would be so intense? J.K. Simmons (who won nearly every award under the sun for his role) is a harsh task master, but one who thinks the only way to bring out the best is to push people to their limits (and perhaps a bit beyond). Mile Teller is the student who wants to be the next, great jazz drummer and is willing to sweat, bleed and take the abuse to get there. The two have a battle of wills - who wins - who loses? That might be up to the viewer to decide, but the real winner is whoever gets to watch this powerhouse of a film.